The SustainX consortium gathered in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for a two-day meeting and study visit that combined strategic project work, meaningful exchanges with local SMEs, and hands-on exploration of the region’s innovation, cultural, and sustainability landscape. Hosted by local partners, the visit offered a unique opportunity to deepen collaboration within the SustainX framework and to better understand the Canary Islands’ regional priorities and potential synergies with the project.
Wednesday, December 3: Exchanges with SMEs, Regional Insights & Cultural Immersion
The first day opened with an extended session involving local SMEs, where consortium members presented the SustainX methodology, collected feedback from participating companies, and discussed early impressions from the ongoing SME engagements. This session was instrumental in refining how the project supports SMEs on their innovation, sustainability, and investment-readiness journeys, ensuring the methodology aligns with real needs observed in each region.
Following an internal consortium session, partners were introduced to the Canary Islands Regional Action Plan, including a detailed presentation on how the region’s priorities align with RIS3, especially in areas such as digital transformation, green transition, and sustainable tourism. This dialogue sparked constructive discussions on how SustainX activities can complement regional innovation strategies and enhance interregional cooperation.
Later in the afternoon, the team took the collaboration outside the meeting room. At the Sala de Arte del Parque García Sanabria, partners explored a local photography exhibition and engaged in an interactive networking workshop with local SME owners. This hands-on session allowed participants to exchange experiences, test collaborative tools, and meet businesses working at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and sustainability. The atmosphere was energetic and highly participatory, offering practical insights into the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The day concluded with a networking session and consortium dinner; an important opportunity to strengthen trust, clarify next steps, and build the interpersonal connections that sustain a pan-European partnership.
Thursday, December 4: Innovation Infrastructure & Inspirational Environmental Leadership
The second day was dedicated to field visits that showcased Tenerife’s innovation infrastructure and sustainability leadership. The consortium visited the Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC), where they toured facilities, learned about ongoing research initiatives, and met innovative companies advancing solutions in areas such as renewable energy, water management, and biotechnology. These exchanges broadened the consortium’s understanding of regional capabilities and highlighted several avenues for future collaboration within SustainX and beyond.
The visit concluded at the Palmetum, a remarkable botanical garden built on a reclaimed landfill. Featuring an extensive collection of tropical species from regions including Madagascar, Hawaii, and Australia, the Palmetum provided an ideal setting for reflection on the themes that unite SustainX: innovation, sustainability, circularity, and the transformative power of regional ecosystems. It underscored how environmental stewardship and scientific progress can co-exist and inspire new forms of collaboration.
A Stronger, More Connected SustainX Community
The two-day meeting in Tenerife not only fulfilled the project’s technical and strategic objectives but also reinforced the human connections and shared vision that drives SustainX forward. Through exchanges with local innovators, cultural engagement, and exposure to regional flagship initiatives, the consortium gained a deeper appreciation of the Canary Islands’ strengths and how they align with SustainX’s mission.
This visit marks an important step in building a resilient interregional community of SMEs, researchers, public bodies, and innovation actors, working together to accelerate sustainable and digital transformation across Europe.
